Finding Ace (Book 3)

Chapter 4. Who's The Boss?

Aria

A week had passed since the incident at the club, and nothing had happened since. Austin and I had spent hours in the study over the week trying to figure out who it could be, but we didn't come up with anything.

Austin sat on the red velvet couch across from my desk. A fire flickered in the fireplace behind me.

"I don't get it, Austin. Whoever is doing this, there is no rhyme or reason to it," I muttered darkly. "There doesn't even seem to be a distinct pattern."

"The fact that there is no pattern tells me the person is smart. I don't know either, but for now, until we know what the fuck is going on, I don't want you to go out by yourself. So, if you go out, you take someone with you," Austin said sternly.

"Excuse me? Who's the boss?" I huffed. I dropped my pen and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Me." His tone was a matter of fact. "You don't leave without someone. It's for your own safety, Aria. Whoever the hell was at that club damn near succeeded in killing you."

I snorted and rolled my eyes. "Whatever."

"I mean it, Aria. Being a hero will only get you killed. Do you get me?" Austin jabbed a finger at me. His eyebrows knitted together, and his jaw clenched.

"I get it," I said and sighed. "So, what are you all dolled up for?" Curiosity seeped into my voice even though I tried to hide it. I had a sneaking suspicion Austin is going out with Carley.

"I got a hot date." Austin winked at me and smirked.

"Hm," I hummed. My pen clinked as I tapped it on the desk. Do I dare ask? It's not like Austin is open about relationship stuff, and it isn't my business. Screw it. I'm dying to know. "Could that hot date be a curvy, short, blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl?" I teased.

Austin flashed a set of perfect white teeth at me. "Maybe. . ." Austin trailed off.

A smile spread across my lips. I better not push him any further. "Have a good time."

"Mm, I'm going to have a fucking blast," he said and chuckled.

A chuckle escaped me. "See you later."

Austin got to his feet. "See you. Don't go out." He pointed a finger at me and gave me a stern look.

"Yeah, yeah," I muttered.

Austin strolled out of the study.

It wasn't like I wanted to go out anyway. I needed to stay in and get my paperwork done. I spent more time trying to find out who my attacker is than on the jobs that needed to be done.

My computer dinged, and I glanced up at it. The southside warehouse alarm had been set off.

"Fuck," I said under my breath.

I grabbed my phone to call Luis. Luis didn't answer.

After I attempted to reach out to all the boys and failed, I gave up. Well, who the hell needs them anyway?

Andersen hummed a tune as he dusted a vase off in the foyer.

"Andersen," I paused.

Andersen looked up at me. "Yes, Aria?"

"I'm going to the southside warehouse. The alarm has gone off. If anyone looks for me, let them know where I am. Also, if I don't get back in an hour, find Austin," I said sternly. I slid my arms through my leather jacket and fanned my hair out from beneath it with my hands.

Andersen's forehead creased with worry. "Austin said you shouldn't leave by yourself because of the recent incidents. Would you like me to accompany you? Or have you called to see if Carlos could go?"